What is the name of the friction force that acts on rolling objects?

The friction force that acts on rolling objects is known as rolling friction. This type of friction occurs when an object rolls over a surface, which typically involves a deformation of both the rolling object and the surface beneath it. Unlike kinetic friction, which acts on sliding objects, rolling friction tends to be less than both kinetic and static friction, which is why wheels and similar objects are efficient when in motion.

The characteristics of rolling friction arise from the nature of the contact between the rolling object and the surface, where the point of contact does not slide, but rather rolls, reducing the amount of energy lost to friction. Understanding rolling friction is crucial in fields such as engineering and physics, as it plays a significant role in the design and operation of vehicles and machinery that rely on wheels or rollers.